ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Implementaion of ‘Stand Up India’ Scheme
The ‘Stand Up India Scheme’ was launched by the Prime Minister on 5thApril, 2016 and has been extended upto the year 2025 as informed by the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance. The objective of the Stand Up India Scheme is to facilitate loans from Scheduled Commercial Banks  of value between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs.1 Crore to at least one Scheduled Caste  or Scheduled Tribe  borrower and one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up a greenfield enterprise in manufacturing, services or trading sector. As on 02.03.2021, a total of 1,11,619 loans amounting to Rs. 24985.27 crore have been extended under the Scheme since inception
Pursuant to an announcement made in the Finance Minister's Budget Speech for F.Y. 2021-22, the margin money requirement for loans under this has been reduced from 'upto 25%' to 'upto 15%' and activities allied to agriculture have been included in the Scheme.
Government does not allocate funds for loans under the Stand Up lndia Scheme. Loans under the Scheme are extended by SCBs as per commercial parameters, Board approved policies of respective banks and extant RBI guidelines. An amount of Rs. 500 crore each was however released by Government in FY 2016-17 and FY 2017-18 and Rs. 100 crore in FY 2O2O-21 towards the corpus of the Credit Guarantee Fund for Stand Up India .
The Government has taken various steps towards effective implementation of the Scheme. These, inter alia, include provision for submission for online applications by potential borrowers through www.standupmitra.in portal, handholding support, intensive publicity campaigns, simplified loan application form, Credit Guarantee Scheme, convergence with State and Central Government Schemes wherever feasible, reduction in margin money and inclusion of activities allied to agriculture etc.
This information was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Krishan Pal Gurjarin a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority  and India Post Payments Bank  organise a Cycle Rally for Investor Awareness in Tamil Nadu
In a spirited celebration of India's upcoming Independence Day and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority  CEO Ms. Anita Shah Akella, flagged off a cycle rally via video conference, with more than 50 girl students from Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School in Kanchipuram participating in the cycle rally on the theme “From Unawareness to Financial Independence.”
The primary objective of this rally was to empower individuals with essential financial knowledge, steering them on the path to financial independence. Amidst the lively cheers and camaraderie, the cyclists embarked on a rally that encompassed multiple key points across Kanchipuram district, with every pedal serving as a metaphor for progress and enlightenment.
During her Keynote address, Smt. Akella said, “The participation of 50 enthusiastic girls in today's cycle rally spoke volumes about the transformative power of awareness. The young participants not only empower themselves but also symbolise the potential to amplify the impact of financial literacy. Commendation was given to the efforts of team IEPFA and IPPB in combatting fraudulent schemes specially in the regions of Tamil Nadu, highlighting the importance of such initiatives for safeguarding communities, by focusing on educating girls and women. The influence thus created extends beyond boundaries, shaping a macro level financial futures and elevating the financial literacy of families and communities. The day marked a pivotal moment in fostering a safer financial landscape, celebrating the commitment of young participants and initiatives that contribute to a stronger society. The call was to empower girls and women as the change agent society needs.”
More than 500 locals and government officials from diverse departments joined hands to celebrate the essence of financial education. As the wheels turned and the message echoed, the rally communicated the transformative power of investor education. It resonated with the underlying theme, reminding everyone that every step towards financial awareness contributes to building a self-reliant and prosperous nation.
About IEPFA
The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority  was set up on September 7, 2016, under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, for administering the Investor Education and Protection Fund for making refunds of shares, unclaimed dividends, and matured deposits/debentures, among other things, to investors.
About IPPB
India Post Payments Bank  was setup under the Department of Post, Ministry of Communication with 100% equity owned by Government of India. IPPB was launched as a pilot project on 30 January 2017 in Ranchi  and Raipur , with the objective of being present across India by the FY 2018-2019. IPPB has expanded its strength across India covering post offices, through a network one Branch and 649 Banking outlets manned by Business Correspondents, working on a hub and spoke model.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Implementation of RTI Act
The Central Government is fully committed to implement the Right to Information  Act in respect of public authorities under it. Each State Government is responsible for implementation of the Right to Information Act in respect of the public authorities in the State concerned.
In respect of the Central Information Commissions, the appointment process has been conducted duly as and when vacancies were required to be filled up and has not been at preliminary stage.
The Hon’ble Supreme Court vide its Order dated 16.12.2019 in M.A. No. 1979 of 2019 in WP  No. 436 of 2018: Ms Anjali Bhardwaj & Others Vs. Union of India and Others pertaining to fill up the vacancies in Central Information Commissions, has inter-alia directed that the Government complete the process of appointment in 3 months.
The process has reached an advanced stage for appointment of the Chief Information Commissioner and one Information Commission in Central Information Commission.
This information was provided by the Union Minister of State  Development of North-Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
AUDIOMETRY LABS FOR DIVYANGS
Under the umbrella scheme of National Health Mission , the Government of India implements the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness  wherein the financial and technical support is provided to States/ UTs to strengthen their healthcare systems based on the requirements posed by the States/ UTs in their Programme Implementation Plans  within their overall resource envelope.
As per the programme guidelines of NPPCD, there is a provision of financial support at a budget of Rs. 50 thousand for Community Health Centres  and Rs.20 thousand for Primary Health Centres  every five year to develop institutional capacity for ear care services by providing support for equipment and audiometry instruments. For District Hospitals, there is a provision of financial support of Rs. 20 Lakhs for equipment, which includes sound treated room also. No proposal has been received from the State of Maharashtra for Audiometry Lab in Civil Hospital, Hingoli.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the LokSabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on Parshuram Jayanti
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the occasion of Parshuram Jayanti.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"देशवासियों को परशुराम जयंती की ढेरों बधाई। भगवान परशुराम दया और करुणा के साथ ही अपने शौर्य और पराक्रम के लिए पूजनीय हैं।"
Cabinet
Cabinet approves cooperation between Indian and Japan on Railway Safety
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the signing the Memorandum of Cooperation  with Japan on Railway Safety. The MoC has already been signed in February, 2017.
The signing of MoC will enable cooperation in the following areas:
i. Track Safety  ii. Latest technology related to railway track safety 
iii. Rolling stock safety 
iv. Any other relevant railway safety matter jointly determined by both the sides within the scope of this MoC with consideration for major railway accident preventions based on the analysis of accident causes.
The MoC would provide a platform for Indian Railways to interact and share the latest development and knowledge in the railway sector. The cooperation under this MoC will involve:
a. Dispatch of experts
b. Training of core staff in Japan
c. Sharing of information and best practices
d. Facilitating the participation of other institutions, organization and ministries, including contribution of National Traffic Safety and Environmental Laboratory of Japan to Research Design and Standards Organisation, Ministry of Railway, Government of India , subject to their respective national laws and regulations where appropriate and possible.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Promotion of Local Manufacturing
Keeping in view India’s vision of becoming ‘Atmanirbhar’ and to enhance India’s Manufacturing Capabilities and Exports, an outlay of INR 1.97 lakh crore has been announced in Union Budget 2021-22 for PLI schemes for 13 key sectors for a period of 5 years starting from fiscal year  2021- 22. These 13 sectors include already existing 3 sectors named  Mobile Manufacturing and Specified Electronic Components,  Critical Key Starting materials/Drug Intermediaries & Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, and  Manufacturing of Medical Devices and 10 new key sectors which have been approved by the Union Cabinet recently in November 2020. These 10 key sectors are:
 Automobiles and Auto Components,  Pharmaceuticals Drugs,  Specialty Steel,  Telecom & Networking Products,  Electronic/Technology Products,  White Goods ,  Food Products,  Textile Products: MMF segment and technical textiles,  High efficiency solar PV modules, and  Advanced Chemistry Cell  Battery.
The PLI schemes will be implemented by the concerned Ministries/ Departments and will be within the overall financial limits prescribed. Domestic as well as foreign owned entities are eligible to be beneficiaries of these PLI schemes.
The PLI Schemes are expected to enable the setting up of a widespread supplier base for the global champions established under the scheme. It will help bring scale and size in key sectors and create and nurture global champions.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, ShriSomParkash, in a written reply in the LokSabha today.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Even in the challenging times of COVID-19 RCF has ensured availability of Fertilizers to farming community
RCF has made available more than 2 lakh MT of imported fertilizers for the kharif season
Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited , a CPSE under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, is committed to the well being of India’s farming sector. Even in the most challenging times of COVID-19, RCF has ensured the availability of its top brand Fertilizers like ‘Ujjwala’ Urea and ‘Suphala’to the farming community for Kharif sowing season.
RCF plants have remained operational and sufficient quantity of production of its fertilizers were done. Apart from its manufactured fertilizers, RCF has also made available traded complex fertilizers of more than 2 lakh metric tons viz. DAP, APS  & NPK  to the farmers for the current Kharif sowing season in the country.
It is also noteworthy that RCF has improved its ranking amongst the top 500 India Fortune companies from 191 in 2018 to 155 in 2019 as per the latest published report.
RCF CMD S.C. Mudgerikar said that the above achievements were possible only because of the hard work put in by RCF employees in the most challenging times and the full support and continuous guidance and encouragement received from the entire team of Department of Fertilizers.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
PCPIRs in India register good progress in attracting Investments for Industrial Development and generating Employment: Shri Mansukh Mandaviya
Rs. 1.83 lakh crores invested and more than 3 lakh people employed so far
Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya informed in a statement here today that following Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Make in India’, the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, under Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers has registered good progress by facilitating increased investments in Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Regions  for boosting industrial development and employment generation.
Shri Mandaviya informed that under the cluster-based development model, the department has identified four PCPIRs - in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu – that are in advanced stages of implementation. Upon completion, these PCPIRs will have an estimated investment of approximately Rs. 8 lakh crores and are expected to generate employment for approximately 40 lakh people. So far, around Rs. 1,83,000 crores have been invested in these PCPIRs and more than 3 lakh people have been employed, the Minister added.
Quoting the successful implementation of PCPIR in Gujarat, Shri Mandaviya said ONGC Petro Additions Ltd  has been established as the anchor unit at Dahej. 170 industrial units are already functional, while over 830 units are in different stages of implementation at PCPIR Dahej and so far Rs. 86,000 crores have been invested and employment has been generated for a total of 1,32,000 persons, the Minister informed.
Shri Mandaviya’s video byte may be accessed on PIB India’s YouTube page, on the link below:
https://youtu.be/YxM0K8PavDw
Ministry of Coal
Coal Ministry to Organize Interactive Seminar in Mumbai on "Just Transition Roadmap” As side Event of 3rd ETWG Meeting under G20 Presidency of India
Global Experts to Debate on Sustainable Energy Sources during the Seminar
The Ministry of Coal is to organize a seminar on the Just Transition Roadmap, in collaboration with Coal India Limited  under the G20 Presidency of India in Mumbai on 15th May 2023. To be organized at the Jio World Convention Centre, the seminar will be held as side event of the 3rd ETWG meeting of the G20 Presidency of India.
Ministry of Coal is one of the participating ministries in the ETWG deliberations of the G20. The first meeting of ETWG was held in Bengaluru in February, and the second in Gandhinagar, Gujarat in April, 2023. The deliberations on energy transition related issues will continue in the 3rd the ETWG meeting in Mumbai from 15th to 17th May, 2023.
The Seminar on Just Transition Roadmap will have two sessions; i.e., inaugural session, which will be followed by panel discussion session. Coal Secretary Shri Amrit Lal Meena will chair and moderate the panel discussion and inaugural sessions. The World Bank and Central Mine Planning and Design Institute  will also deliver presentations on the Just Transition aspects during the seminar. The Seminar aims to facilitate an inclusive dialogue among key stakeholders. Recognizing the need for a balanced approach towards sustainability, this seminar will explore strategies and initiatives to ensure a smooth and equitable transition from fossil fuels especially coal-dependent economies to more sustainable energy sources without compromising energy security of the nation.
During the seminar, a video highlighting Sustainable & Environment-Friendly Initiatives in Coal Sector will be showcased. The study report on Best Global Practices for Just Transition in Coal Sector and three booklets on Bio-reclamation/Plantation, Eco-parks/Mine Tourism, and G20 Special Edition of MineTech on Just Transition will also be released.
The seminar will provide the right platform for experts from India and abroad to share their insights, experiences and best practices related to just transition. Participants will engage in interactive sessions and panel discussion.
The seminar will witness the presence of dignitaries including government officials, international experts, industry leaders and renowned academicians. The event will encourage robust discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among participants to foster a collective approach towards greener and more sustainable growth. Can attend the seminar virtually using the official YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/QOB3xd3Xtrk?feature=share
Ministry of Science & Technology
An innovative, green, novel antimicrobial air filtration technology can mitigate air-borne infection
A newly developed air filter can deactivate the germs ‘self-cleaning’ them out of the system using ingredients commonly found in green tea.
Impure air might make our life shorter, to the extent that Indians lose 5-10 years of their lives because of air-borne contaminants leading to respiratory diseases, adversely affecting physical health as well as mental health according to a report by University of Cigaco.
A research team led by Prof Suryasarathi Bose and Prof Kaushik Chatterjee at Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru , Bangalore, developed germ-destroying air filters that can inactivate germs using ingredients like polyphenols and polycationic polymers commonly found in green tea. These ‘green’ ingredients rupture the microbes through site-specific binding.
The research was supported by special grants from Science & Engineering Research Board  during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic and SERB-Technology Translation Awards  funds and a patent has been filed on this
Over continuous usage, the existing air filters become a breeding ground for captured germs. The growth of these germs clog the pores of the filter, reducing the life of the filters. Resuspension of these germs can infect people in the vicinity. The novel antimicrobial air filters were tested at the NABL Accredited Laboratory and were found to deactivate SARS-CoV-2  with an efficiency of 99.24%. This technology was transferred to AIRTH, a startup that is replacing the existing germ-growing air filters with germ-destroying air filters for commercialization.
As this innovation holds promise to develop antimicrobial filters that can prevent endemics caused by air-borne pathogens, a patent was granted in 2022. These novel antimicrobial filters in our ACs, central ducts and air purifiers can play a crucial role in our fight against air pollution and mitigate the spread of air-borne pathogens like coronaviruses.
A comparison of microbial growth between AIRTH’s filter and a normal filter
<><><><><>
SNC/RR
(Visitor Counter : 1733
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID19 Vaccination-Day 104
More than 20 lakh vaccine doses given till 8 pm push Cumulative Vaccine Coverage to more than 15.21 Cr doses
Total registrations on Co-Win portal for Phase-3 Vaccination reaches more than 2.28 Cr till 9:30 pm today
The total vaccination across the country has crossed more than 15.21 Cr mark. The country has administered more than 20 lakh vaccine doses till 8 pm today. Also, the total registrations on Co-Win portal for Phase-3 Vaccination has crossed 2.28 Cr  in just 2 days, as per data till 9:30 pm today.
The cumulative number of COVID19 vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 15,21,05,563 as per the 8 pm provisional report today.
These include 93,85,676 Healthcare Workers  who have taken the 1st dose and
61,89,635 HCWs who have taken the 2nd dose, 1,24,12,904 Frontline Workers  , 67,04,193 FLWs , 5,17,23,607 for over 45 years old to 60 years old ,
34,02,049 for over 45 years old to 60 years old , 5,18,72,503 for above 60 years  and 1,04,14,996 for above 60 years .
|
|
HCWs
|
|
FLWs
|
|
Age Group 45-60 years
|
|
Above 60 Years
|
|
Total Achievement
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
93,85,676
|
|
61,89,635
|
|
1,24,12,904
|
|
67,04,193
|
|
5,17,23,607
|
|
34,02,049
|
|
5,18,72,503
|
|
1,04,14,996
|
|
12,53,94,690
|
|
2,67,10,873
Total 20,84,931 vaccine doses were given till 8 pm today, the One hundred and fourth day of nationwide COVID19 vaccination. Out of which 11,82,563 beneficiaries were vaccinated for 1st dose and 9,02,368 beneficiaries received 2nd dose of the vaccine as per the provisional report. Final reports would be completed for the day by late tonight.
|
|
Date: 29th April 2021 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
FLWs
|
|
Age Group 45-60 years
|
|
Above 60
Years
|
|
Total Achievement
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
18,169
|
|
41,717
|
|
93,004
|
|
91,404
|
|
6,98,721
|
|
2,46,631
|
|
3,72,669
|
|
5,22,616
|
|
11,82,563
|
|
9,02,368
PIB Headquarters
TRAIN RESCHEDULED
Train No. 02856, Ernakulam-Howrah special train scheduled to leave Ernakulam Jn at 08.50 hrs on 28th March 2017 is rescheduled to start at 15.30 hrs on same day
(Visitor Counter : 29
Ministry of Finance
4th G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group Meeting concludes in Varanasi with finalisation of the G20 Sustainable Finance Report, 2023
The 4th and the last meeting of the G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group  held under India's G20 presidency, successfully concluded in Varanasi today. The two-day meeting witnessed proactive engagement from over 80 delegates from G20 member countries, invitee countries and International Organisations including World Bank, New Development Bank, among others. Many other organisations joined the meeting virtually.
The G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group  aims to mobilise sustainable finance to help ensure global growth and stability, and promote the transition towards greener, more resilient and inclusive societies and economies. The main purpose of the Group is to advance international work to help scale up private and public sustainable finance and in doing so, accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The G20 Sustainable Finance Roadmap, as finalized in 2021, is the core around which the SFWG functions and takes up future work.
Towards this end, the SFWG in 2023 carried out work for enabling finance for SDGs along with the mobilisation of timely and adequate resources for climate finance as agenda priorities. The SFWG during India’s G20 presidency has made recommendations on the following six areas, viz,  Mechanisms for Mobilisation of Timely and Adequate Resources for Climate Finance;  Policy Measures and Financial Instruments for Catalysing the Rapid Development and Deployment of Green and Low-Carbon Technologies;  Scaling-up the adoption of social impact investment instruments;  Improving Nature-related Data and Reporting;  G20 Technical Assistance Action Plan;  Overcoming data-related barriers to climate investments. In addition, the members have finalised the compendium of case studies on financing SDGs and the compendium on non-price policy levers to support sustainable investments.
The G20 New Delhi Leader’s Declaration 2023 which was adopted in the Leader’s Summit held recently, has welcomed the work undertaken by the SFWG under India’s G20 presidency. The four Sustainable Finance Working Group  meetings were held in Guwahati, Udaipur, Mahabalipuram and Varanasi. The two-day meeting in Varanasi aimed at jointly agreeing on the final G20 Sustainable Finance Report 2023 that assimilates the work carried out by the SFWG in the form of recommendations for the identified priority areas. The 4th meeting also discussed the progress made by G20 members and International Organizations  on the G20 Sustainable Finance Roadmap.
Achieving sustainable development requires collective efforts from all member countries. All through the SFWG meetings, both the Co-Chairs, US and China, members and invitee countries, as well as international organizations actively participated and contributed in the finalization of deliverables as key outcomes under the SFWG this year.